Brisket is a cut of beef from the cow’s lower chest or breast area. It’s a large, tough cut of meat with a significant amount of connective tissue, which makes it ideal for slow cooking methods like braising, smoking, or slow roasting. Brisket is known for its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. It’s popular in many cuisines. In particular, in American barbecue, where it’s often smoked low and slow over wood until it becomes meltingly tender. In Jewish cuisine, brisket is often braised and served as a holiday dish. Slow-cooked beef brisket refers to a cooking method where a beef brisket is cooked over low heat for an extended period of time. This method allows the tough connective tissues in the brisket to break down gradually, resulting in a tender and juicy end product. Typically, slow cooking can be done using various methods such as a slow cooker (crockpot), oven, or smoker. The brisket is often marinated or seasoned with spices, herbs, and liquids to enhance its flavor and tenderness. It is then cooked slowly until it reaches the desired level of tenderness. This can take several hours, depending on the size and thickness of the brisket. Brisket is also commonly enjoyed as a main dish alongside various sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
Why is this the best recipe
Flavorful Marinade: The combination of grainy mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, and a blend of spices (salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cumin powder, Italian seasoning) creates a complex and flavorful marinade that enhances the taste of the beef brisket. Tender and Juicy Brisket: Slow cooking the brisket in the oven at a low temperature ensures the meat becomes tender and juicy. In addition, wrapping it in parchment paper and aluminum foil helps retain moisture and allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat. Convenience: While slow cooking takes time, this recipe requires minimal hands-on effort. Once the brisket is marinated and wrapped, it can cook slowly in the oven. Thus allowing you to attend to other tasks while it cooks. Versatility: You can serve this brisket in various ways. You can slice and serve it as a main dish with sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Or it can be shredded and used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads. Customization: While the recipe provides specific ingredients and measurements, there is room for customization based on personal preferences. You can adjust the marinade ingredients or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients and substitutes
Beef Brisket: This is the main protein in the recipe. Brisket is a tough cut of meat that benefits from slow cooking. It becomes tender and flavorful over time. Substitute: You can use other tough cuts of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or bottom round roast. Grainy Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly crunchy texture to the marinade, providing acidity and flavor complexity. Substitute: Whole-grain mustard or stone-ground mustard can be used as alternatives. Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the marinade, complementing the sweetness of the honey. Substitute: You can use spicy brown mustard or yellow mustard as alternatives. However, they will alter the flavor profile slightly. Honey: Provides sweetness to balance the acidity of the mustards and adds caramelization during cooking for depth of flavor. Substitute: You can use maple syrup or brown sugar as alternatives for sweetness. Salt: Enhances the dish’s overall flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Substitute: If reducing sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt or substitute with a low-sodium alternative like sea salt. Black Pepper: Adds heat and flavor to the marinade. Substitute: You can use white pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a different heat profile. Paprika: Provides color and a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor to the marinade. Substitute: Smoked paprika or chili powder can be used for a deeper smoky flavor. Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and aroma to the marinade. Substitute: You can use fresh minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor. Cumin Powder: Adds warmth and earthiness to the marinade, complementing the other spices. Substitute: You can use ground coriander or chili powder as alternatives for a different flavor profile. Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, which adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the marinade.Substitute: You can make your Italian seasoning blend by combining dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram in equal parts.
Step-by-step: Slow-cooked beef Brisket
Marinade – In a mixing bowl, combine the grainy mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cumin powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to form a marinade.
Marinate – Place the beef brisket in a large dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the brisket is well coated with the marinade. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors penetrate the meat. Thaw – Once the brisket has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Wrap – Tear off a piece of parchment paper large enough to wrap the brisket. Then, tear off a piece of aluminum foil of the same size. Place the parchment paper on top of the aluminum foil. Put the marinated brisket on the parchment paper. Wrap the brisket tightly with the parchment paper. Then, wrap it again with the aluminum foil, ensuring it’s sealed tightly.
Preheat your oven to 300°F /150°C/ Gas mark 2. Place a roasting rack in a roasting pan or baking dish. Put the wrapped brisket on the rack. Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven. Roast – Slow cook the brisket for about 4-5 hours, or until it is fork-tender. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the brisket. Rest – Once the brisket is cooked, carefully unwrap it from the parchment paper and aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Shred – Slice the brisket against the grain into thick slices, or use two forks to shred the meat and serve with juices.
Tips for success
Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a well-marbled beef brisket, which will result in a more flavorful and tender result. Look for brisket with a good balance of fat and lean meat. Marinate Adequately: Allow enough time for the brisket to marinate. Marinating overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Bring the Brisket to Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the brisket sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows for more even cooking throughout the meat. Wrap the Brisket Securely: Wrap the brisket tightly in parchment paper and aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture and prevents the marinade from leaking out during cooking. Use Low and Slow Cooking: Slow cook the brisket at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for several hours. This slow-cooking method allows the tough fibers in the meat to break down gradually, resulting in a tender and juicy brisket. Check for Doneness: Test the brisket by inserting a fork or meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The brisket is done when it’s fork-tender or reaches an internal temperature of around 195-205°F (90-96°C). Rest Before Slicing: Allow the cooked brisket to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier end product. Slice Against the Grain: When slicing the brisket, cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. Slicing against the grain helps break up the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite. Save the Juices: Don’t discard the juices that accumulate during cooking. You can pour them over the sliced brisket for extra flavor and moisture. Customize to Taste: Adjust the marinade ingredients to suit your preferences. You can increase or decrease the amounts of spices, mustard, or honey to achieve the flavor profile you desire.
Creative variations
Asian-Inspired Twist: Replace some of the herbs and spices in the marinade with Asian ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Then, serve the brisket with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for an Asian-inspired meal. Tex-Mex Flavor: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the marinade for a smoky and spicy kick. Serve the sliced brisket in tacos or burritos with toppings like avocado, salsa, and lime crema. You can also serve it alongside Mexican rice and beans. Beer-Braised Brisket: Instead of marinating the brisket in a mustard-based marinade, braise it in a mixture of beef broth and beer. The beer adds richness and depth of flavor to the meat. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes and a side of sautéed greens. Fruity Twist: Incorporate fruit juices like orange or pineapple juice into the marinade for sweetness and acidity. You can also add sliced fruits like oranges or pineapples to the roasting pan for additional flavor. Serve with a fruit salsa or chutney on the side. Mediterranean-Inspired: Use a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. For a Mediterranean feast, serve the sliced brisket with tzatziki sauce, couscous, and a Greek salad. Smoked Brisket: If you have access to a smoker, smoke the brisket instead of slow-cooking it in the oven. Use wood chips like hickory or mesquite for a smoky flavor infusion. Serve with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans.
Creative ways to serve slow-cooked beef brisket
Slow-cooked beef brisket is versatile, and you can serve it in various creative ways. These ideas showcase the versatility of slow-cooked beef brisket and allow you to enjoy it in various delicious and unique ways.
Classic Sandwich: Serve sliced brisket on a soft sandwich roll or bun with your favorite toppings such as coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce. You can also add melted cheese for extra flavor. Tacos or Burritos: Fill soft tortillas with sliced brisket, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a drizzle of salsa or chipotle mayo. Also, add some cheese and cilantro for extra flavor. Brisket Benedict: Top toasted English muffins with sliced brisket, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce for a delicious twist on the classic Eggs Benedict. Brisket Hash: Dice leftover brisket and sauté it with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until crispy and golden brown. Serve with fried or poached eggs on top for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Brisket Pizza: Use sliced brisket as a topping for homemade pizza. Pair it with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and your favorite cheese for a delicious and unique pizza flavor. Brisket Quesadillas: Layer sliced brisket and shredded cheese between tortillas and cook until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy. Then, serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. Brisket Shepherd’s Pie: Layer sliced brisket in a baking dish with cooked vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden and bubbly for a comforting meal. Brisket Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Split baked potatoes open and fill them with shredded brisket, sour cream, chives, and grated cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal. Brisket Tamales: Use shredded brisket as a filling for homemade tamales. Steam the tamales until cooked, then serve with salsa verde or mole sauce for a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish. Brisket Salad: Toss sliced brisket with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and your favorite salad dressing for a light and refreshing meal. You can also add crumbled blue cheese or feta for extra flavor.
Beef Brisket with Red Wine GravySlow Cooker Beef in Red Wine StewSlow Cooked Beef CurryIndian Goat Curry RecipeSweet and Savory Delights: Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Frequently asked questions
Did you LIKE this recipe? Save it for later. You can find my recipes on Pinterest. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Subscribe, and I’ll send you new recipes right to your inbox.
Thank you for sharing - Save for later
